- Definition
Coding is like writing a recipe or giving step-by-step instructions to a computer so it knows what to do.
Arranging arrow blocks to tell a character on a screen to move forward and turn is coding.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Coding is like giving a toy robot a list of step-by-step instructions to make it move.
Ask your child: If I were your robot, what steps would you give me to pick up your toy?
Common mix-up: Kids may think coding is just playing a game on a tablet. Coding is actually giving the step-by-step instructions that tell the game what to do.
Examples
- Telling a friend 'step forward, turn right' to walk through a homemade maze.
- Programming a toy to move forward, turn, and light up.
- Making a character in a game jump over an obstacle by giving it a 'jump' command.
coding is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 Science and Technology
- Grade 2 Science and Technology
- Grade 3 Science and Technology
- Grade 4 Science and Technology
- Grade 5 Science and Technology
- Grade 6 Science and Technology
- Grade 7 Science and Technology
- Grade 8 Science and Technology
+1 more mention across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
